ON MONDAY, ‘HARRY’S LAW’ WINS ITS HOUR IN TOTAL VIEWERS AND, THROUGH TWO TELECASTS, HAS DELIVERED NBC’S TWO BIGGEST OVERALL AUDIENCES IN THE SLOT, EXCLUDING SPORTS, IN 16 MONTHS

‘DATELINE NBC’ REPORTS ITS HIGHEST FRIDAY RESULTS OF THE SEASON

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – February 1, 2011 – Led this week by strong performances from “The Office,” “Biggest Loser” and “Parks and Recreation,” all of which ranked among the top 10 programs of the week in adults 18-49, NBC averaged a 1.6 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.6 million viewers overall for the week of January 24-30, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

“The Office” ranked #4 among all primetime programs this week in adults 18-49, and was the #1 scripted program of the week in adults 18-49, trailing only two editions of “American Idol” and Fox’s NFL Pro Bowl telecast among all programs. Also ranking among the top programs of the week in primetime’s key demographic of adults 18-49 were “The Biggest Loser: Couples” (#7, tied), “Parks and Recreation” (#9, tied), “30 Rock” (#16, tied), “Community” (#24, tied) and “Harry’s Law” (#26 tied). With an average 10.4 million viewers overall, “Harry’s Law” ranked #11 among all primetime programs this week in total viewers.

Among adults 18-34, NBC had four of the top 10 and seven of the top 20 programs of the week, with “The Office” (#3), “Parks and Recreation” (#5), “30 Rock” (#8), “Community” (#9), “The Biggest Loser” (#12), “Outsourced” (#15, tied) and “Perfect Couples” (#17, tied).

Season-to-date through 19 weeks, NBC ranks #3 in adults 18-49, up from a #4 ranking at this same point last season, with a 2.7 rating in that key demographic, up 4 percent versus the first 19 weeks of last season (2.7 vs. 2.6). NBC ranks #3 in adults 25-54 season-to-date, up 3 percent in 25-54 rating versus the first 19 weeks of last year (3.1 vs. 3.0). In total viewers, NBC is also up 3 percent year to year through the first 19 weeks of the season (7.860 million vs. 7.612 million).

NBC highlights for the week of January 24-30

* On Monday, “Harry’s Law” finished within a tenth of a rating point of its prior week’s strong premiere result in adults 18-49, the smallest drop from week one to week two of any new drama this season on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox.

* “Harry’s Law” ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 for the second week in a row and ranked #1 in total viewers, adults 25-54 and all key adult-male demographics – men 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

* “Harry’s Law” was up 40 percent in 18-49 rating and up 104 percent in total viewers versus NBC’s non-sports average in its slot during the traditional 2009-10 season. In its first two weeks on the air, “Harry’s Law” delivered NBC’s two best 18-49 ratings in the time period since November 1, 2010 and attracted the network’s two biggest overall audiences in the slot, excluding Olympics, in 16 months.

* Also on Monday, “Chuck” attracted its biggest overall viewership since November 29, and “The Cape” finished within 0.2 of a rating point of the prior week’s regular-slot premiere. “The Cape” was up 13 percent in total viewers versus NBC’s 2009-10 season average in its time period.

* On Tuesday, “The Biggest Loser: Couples” ranked #1 in its time period in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and most other key demographics.

* On Wednesday, a rebroadcast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” ranked #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in total viewers, adults 18-34 and other key measures and was #1 in men 18-34 versus first-run drama competition from ABC’s “Off the Map” and CBS’s “Blue Bloods.” From its first half-hour to its second, the “SVU” encore increased by 13 percent in 18-49 rating and 11 percent in total viewers, while the competing first-run dramas on ABC and CBS were flat or declined half-hour to half-hour in both categories.

* Also on Wednesday, “Chase” tracked down a 20 percent increase week to week in 18-49 rating in a time period that included competition from Fox’s “American Idol,” CBS’s “Criminal Minds” and ABC’s “Modern Family” rebroadcast.

* On Thursday, “The Office” was the #1 scripted show of the night in adults 18-49, matching its second highest 18-49 rating since September 30.

* Also on Thursday, “Parks and Recreation” ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in its slot in adults 18-49 and was #1 in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49. “Parks” was up 11 percent in adult 18-49 rating versus NBC’s average in its time period last season

* “Community” on Thursday matched its season high in 18-49 rating for a regular-slot telecast, despite competition from Fox’s “American Idol.” Against that enhanced competition, “Community” was up 16 percent in 18-49 rating versus NBC’s average in this slot last season.

* Additionally on Thursday, “30 Rock” ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in its new 10 p.m. ET time period in adults, men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 18-34; and men 25-54 versus encore dramas on ABC and CBS. “30 Rock” improved on NBC’s time-period average in this half-hour last season by 26 percent in 18-49 rating.

* In its new Thursday 10:30 p.m. ET time period, “Outsourced” called in with NBC’s highest 18-49 rating in the time period this season. Week-to-week, “Outsourced” was up 6 percent in 18-49 rating and 5 percent in total viewers.

* On Friday, “Dateline NBC” reported its highest 18-49 rating and biggest overall viewership for a Friday telecast so far this season.

Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”

Additional NBC highlights for the week of January 24-30:

On Monday, Jan. 24 from 8-9 p.m. ET, “Chuck” (1.9 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall) attracted its biggest overall viewership since November 29. In the time period, “Chuck” ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in men 18-34. It’s worth noting that so far this season, “Chuck” has added an average 26 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure

Monday at 9 p.m. ET, “The Cape” averaged a 1.6/4 in 18-49 and 5.8 million viewers overall, finishing within 0.2 of a rating point of the prior week’s regular-slot premiere. “The Cape” was up 13 percent in total viewers versus NBC’s 2009-10 season average in this time period (5.845 million vs. 5.178 million, non-sports, “live plus same day’).

Monday at 10 p.m. ET, “Harry’s Law” (2.1/6 in 18-49, 10.4 million viewers overall) finished within a tenth of a rating point in adults 18-49 of the prior week’s strong premiere result (2.2/6), the smallest drop from week one to week two of any new drama this season on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox.

“Harry’s Law” finished its hour #2 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 for the second week in a row and ranked #1 in total viewers, adults 25-54 and all key adult-male demographics – men 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

“Harry’s Law” was up 40 percent in 18-49 rating and up 104 percent in total viewers (10.430 million vs. 5.103 million) versus NBC’s non-sports average in this slot during the traditional 2009-10 season. In its first two weeks on the air, “Harry’s Law” earned NBC’s two best 18-49 ratings in this time period since November 1, 2010 and attracted the network’s two biggest overall audiences in the slot, excluding Olympics, in 16 months (since September 14, 2009).

“Harry’ Law” increased from its first half-hour to its second by 5 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 2.2 from a 2.1), 3 percent in adults 25-54 (3.2 vs. 3.1) and 4 percent in total viewers (10.7 million vs. 10.2 million) while rival dramas on ABC and CBS declined half-hour to half-hour in all three categories.

From its first half-hour to its second, “Biggest Loser” gained 3 percent in adults 18-49 rating (to a 3.2 rating from a 3.1), 6 percent in adults 25-54 (to a 3.7 from a 3.5) and 9 percent in adults 18-34 (2.4 vs. 2.2).

On Tuesday, NBC’s coverage of the State of the Union Address ran from 9-10:13 p.m. ET, followed by the Republican response and segments of analysis that extended to 11 p.m. ET. Coverage of the State of the Union Address and the Republican response was sustaining and is not included in the nightly or weekly averages. From 10:13-10:36 p.m. ET, State of the Union analysis averaged a 1.9/5 in adults 18-49, a 2.4/6 in adults 25-54 and 7.7 million viewers overall. From 10:36-11 p.m. ET, additional State of the Union analysis averaged a 1.3/4 in 18-49, a 1.6/4 in 25-54 and 5.4 million viewers overall.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 8-9 p.m. ET, “Minute To Win It” averaged a 1.4/4 in adults 18-49 and 5.0 million viewers overall in a time period that included Fox’s “American Idol,” CBS’s “Live To Dance” and encore comedies on ABC. From its first half-hour to its second, “Minute” grew by 15 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 1.5 rating from a 1.3) and 8 percent in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.8 million).

Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, “Chase” (1.2/3 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall) tracked down a week-to-week increase of 20 percent in 18-49 rating (1.2 vs. 1.0) in a time period that included competition from Fox’s “American Idol,” CBS’s “Criminal Minds” and ABC’s “Modern Family” rebroadcast. It’s worth noting that so far this season, “Chase” has added an average 29 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure

On Wednesday from 10-11 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” captured a 1.7/5 in adults 18-49 and 5.5 million viewers overall. Versus first-run competition from CBS’s “Blue Bloods” and ABC’s “Off the Map,” “Law & Order: SVU” ranked #2 among ABC, CBS and NBC in total viewers, adults 18-34, women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54 and was #1 among men 18-34.

From its first half-hour to its second, the “SVU” rebroadcast increased by 13 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.8 from a 1.6) and 11 percent in total viewers (to 5.8 million from 5.2 million), while the competing first-run dramas on ABC and CBS were flat or declining half-hour to half-hour in both categories.

The “Law & Order; SVU” rebroadcast built on NBC’s rating during the highly competitive 9-10 p.m. ET hour by 42 percent in adults 18-49 (1.7 vs. 1.2), while the first-run dramas on ABC and CBS were both down significantly versus their lead-in from the previous hour.

On Thursday, Jan. 27 from 8-8:30 p.m. ET, “Community” (2.2/6 in 18-49, 4.6 million viewers overall) equaled its season high in 18-49 rating for a regular-slot telecast, despite competition from Fox’s “American Idol,” ABC’s “Winter Wipeout” and CBS’s “Big Bang Theory” encore (note: excludes the October 28 Halloween episode, which aired at 8:30 p.m. and scored a 2.4 rating).

“Community” ranked #2 in its slot among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW, behind only “American Idol,” in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49. “Community” was up 16 percent in 18-49 rating versus NBC’s average in this slot for the traditional 2009-10 season (2.2 vs. 1.9, non-sports, “live plus same day”).

So far this season, “Community” has added an average 25 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure, making it tied as the #4 biggest gainer on a percentage basis among half-hour comedies, tied with “The Big Bang Theory” and behind only “The Office,” “Modern Family” and “30 Rock.”

Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET, “Perfect Couples” delivered a 1.7/4 in 18-49 and 3.5 million viewers overall and ranked #2 in the slot among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in men 18-34.

“The Office” was the #1 scripted series of the night in adults 18-49. In its time period, “The Office” tied for #1 in adults 18-49 (with Fox’s “Bones,” which benefitted from an “American idol” lead-in) and was #1 outright in adults, men and women 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

These results for “The Office” are likely to increase substantially when Nielsen issues “live plus seven day” results for the week of January 17-23. So far this season, “The Office” has added an average 32 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure. On a percentage basis, “The Office” is the #1 biggest gainer from “live plus same day” to “live plus seven” among all half-hour comedies on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW.

Thursday, from 9:31-10 p.m. ET, “Parks and Recreation” (3.0/8 in 18-49, 5.8 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among the broadcast networks in adults 18-49 and was #1 in adults 18-34, men 18-34 and men 18-49. “Parks” improved on NBC’s average in this time period last season by 11 percent in 18-49 rating (3.0 vs. 2.7).

Thursday from 10-10:31 p.m. ET, “30 Rock” (2.4/7 in 18-49, 4.9 million viewers overall) generated NBC’s second highest 18-49 rating in this time period, excluding sports, since April 15, 2010. In the time period, “30 Rock” ranked #1 among the broadcast networks in adults, men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 18-34; and men 25-54 versus encore dramas on ABC and CBS. “30 Rock” improved on NBC’s time-period average in this half-hour last season by 26 percent in 18-49 rating (2.4 vs. 1.9).

So far this season, “30 Rock” has added an average 28 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure, making it the #3 biggest gainer on a percentage basis among half-hour comedies, behind only “The Office” and “Modern Family.”

Thursday from 10:31-11 p.m. ET, “Outsourced” (1.9/6 in 18-49, 4.1 million viewers overall) called in with NBC’s highest 18-49 rating in this time period, excluding sports, since May 20, 2010. In the time period, “Outsourced” ranked #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults and men 18-49 and adults, men and women 18-34.

In its second week, in the challenging 10:30-11 p.m. ET half-hour, “Outsourced” grew by 6 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.9 from a 1.8) and 5 percent in total viewers (4.134 million vs. 3.952 million).

So far this season, “Outsourced” has added an average 22 percent to its 18-49 rating when going from the previously reported “live plus same day” rating to its “live plus seven day” figure. On a percentage basis, “Outsourced” is the #1 biggest gainer going from “live plus same day” to “live plus seven” among all first-year half-hour comedies on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or CW.

On Friday, Jan. 28 from 8-9 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Minute To Win It” (1.2/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) ranked #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 18-49, total viewers and other key measures. From its first half-hour to its second, “Minute” grew by 27 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.4 from a 1.1) and by 15 percent in total viewers (4.6 million vs. 4.0 million).

Friday from 9-11 p.m. ET, “Dateline” (1.7/5 in 18-49, 7.3 million viewers overall) reported its highest 18-49 rating for a Friday telecast since March 5, 2010 and its biggest overall viewership for a Friday telecast since March 12, 2010. “Dateline” finished #1 in its two-hour time period among ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW in adults 25-54, women 25-54 and women 18-49.

From its first half-hour to its fourth, “Dateline” increased by 20 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.8 from a 1.5) and by 23 percent or 1.5 million persons in total viewers (to 7.7 million from 6.2 million). For its second hour from 10-11 p.m. ET, “Dateline” was #1 among ABC, CBS and NBC in adults, men and women 18-49; adults, men and women 25-54; and total viewers.

NBC ranked #2 among the broadcast networks Friday night in adults 18-49 and total viewers and was #1 in adults 25-54, women 25-54 and women 18-49.

On Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, an encore telecast of “Harry’s Law” (0.6/2 in 18-49, 4.2 million viewers overall) grew from its first half-hour to its second by 17 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.7 from a 0.6) and 14 percent in total viewers (to 4.520 million from 3.954 million).

Saturday from 9-11 p.m. ET, NBC Sports’ coverage of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships averaged a 0.6/2 in 18-49, 3.9 million viewers overall and a 2.5 rating, 5 share in households. From its first half-hour to its fourth, the skating coverage grew by 60 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 0.8 from a 0.5) and by 30 percent or more than 1.0 million persons in total viewers (to 4.5 million from 3.4 million).

On Sunday, January 30, from 7-8 p.m. ET, “Dateline NBC” (1.3/4 in 18-49, 5.9 million viewers overall) reported its highest 18-49 rating for a Sunday telecast since April 18, 2010 and its biggest overall viewership for a Sunday edition since January 10, 2010. From its first half-hour to its second, “Dateline” grew by 8 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.4 from a 1.3) to move into a tie with “60 Minutes” from 7:30-8 p.m. (with a 1.4 rating each for that half-hour).

Sunday from 8-11 p.m. ET, NBC’s telecast of the 2007 feature film “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” unearthed a 1.4/4 in 18-49 and 4.3 million viewers overall. From its first half-hour to its sixth, “National Treasure 2″ grew by 45 percent in 18-49 rating (to a 1.6 from a 1.1).